HS2 has been given planning permission to build a 425-metre viaduct in Balsall Common - at the second attempt.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council had originally deferred a decision on the controversial structure, saying the developer had not consulted residents properly.

During a debate in July, councillors pushed back the decision and accused HS2 of treating local people as "second-class citizens".

A design summit was then held on August 2, attended by HS2, council officers, ward members and representatives from both Balsall and Berkswell Parish Councils. Talks led to a series of new conditions that will incorporate local views on the colour of concrete and other design matters as the project progresses.

And the plans then went back to the council last night (September 6) and were given the green light.

Richard Lloyd, a local resident who has consistently spoken out against the viaduct, said: "This business has gone on for too long, nothing has really changed. Parliament told HS2 to have a truly consultative approach. We're still waiting.

"London gets nice things. Birmingham gets nice things. So why do we get palmed off with a horror show? They just don't care about Balsall Common.

"Starting again would be lovely, but fiddling with the colour of the concrete really won't solve the problem. Something in between would go some way to gaining community acceptance."

Meriden MP Saqib Bhatti said via a written statement: "As I previously commented, the design of this viaduct needs to better reflect the unique characteristics of Balsall Common and Berkswell, and the local natural environment.

"I understand there is a body of opinion held by residents of Balsall Common who believe that brick finishing would be acceptable. Alternatively, creating a green living wall on the external facing of this concrete viaduct would also be a huge aesthetic improvement on the existing design.

"HS2 continues to fail to understand they have a responsibility to take the community with them, which this revised design, in my opinion, does not achieve. My constituents in Balsall Common and Berkswell have a voice and that voice must be heard over the design of this viaduct."

The project will eventually see 16 piers built to carry the viaduct 10 metres above ground over floodplain land to the northeast of Berkswell Railway Station

Bayleys Brook will also be realigned as part of the project.

And the Kenilworth Greenway will be extended to Station Road on the south-eastern side of the line.

The approval comes with conditions that there will be further engagement and more work will be undertaken on the colour and finishes of the concrete and the type of tree planting around the viaduct.

In a statement this morning, HS2 welcomed the news, hailing the design of the viaduct a "significant and elegant structure".

"We're very pleased to receive planning approval from Solihull council for the design of the Balsall Common Viaduct," said HS2 Ltd's senior project manager for Balsall Common, Alan Payne.

"We've engaged with the community and local councillors over the last couple of years to incorporate their feedback as much as possible.

"We also thank the officers and local councillors who have worked with us to agree additional conditions, as part of the decision. We look forward to working with them in the weeks and months ahead to enable these to be discharged.

"We're confident that our plans respect and enhance the local history and natural environment of the area and will provide new green areas for people and wildlife to enjoy."